KGSHIA Intensifies Lokoja Market Outreach to Expand Vital Contributory Health Insurance Plan and Achieve Universal Health Coverage in Kogi
The Kogi State Health Insurance Agency (KGSHIA) has intensified its grassroots campaign to expand enrollment in its Vital Contributory Plan through a major market sensitisation in Lokoja, offering free medical services and promoting affordable healthcare for residents.
The Kogi State Health Insurance Agency (KGSHIA) has stepped up efforts to expand access to affordable healthcare by taking its awareness campaign on the Vital Contributory Plan directly to traders and artisans at the Lokoja International Market, in a renewed push towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across the state.
The large-scale sensitisation exercise, held on Wednesday, featured extensive store-to-store engagements with market men and women, providing firsthand information on the benefits of enrolling in the state’s health insurance scheme, particularly for residents in the informal sector.
Speaking during the outreach, the Executive Secretary of KGSHIA, Dr. Aledare, described health insurance as an essential safeguard against the increasing cost of medical care, noting that it offers individuals and families financial protection while guaranteeing uninterrupted access to quality healthcare services.
He explained that the Agency remains committed to ensuring that every resident of Kogi State, regardless of social or economic background, has access to affordable and quality healthcare without the burden of catastrophic medical expenses.
Dr. Aledare commended the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, for establishing the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency, describing the initiative as a landmark reform that laid a solid foundation for sustainable healthcare financing and improved access to medical services across the state.
He also praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for sustaining the programme through strong political commitment, consistent funding and unwavering support, which he said have significantly strengthened the Agency’s operations and expanded healthcare access to more residents.
Also addressing journalists during the campaign, the Permanent Member II of KGSHIA, Hon. Jacob Abraham, reaffirmed the Agency’s determination to broaden health insurance coverage throughout Kogi State.
According to him, the ongoing market outreach aligns with Governor Ododo’s vision of delivering affordable, equitable and quality healthcare to all residents, especially those working within the informal sector.
A major highlight of the exercise was the comprehensive store-to-store awareness campaign, during which KGSHIA officials interacted directly with traders, answered questions on the health insurance scheme and distributed educational materials detailing enrollment procedures and available healthcare benefits.
Beyond sensitisation, the Agency organised a one-day free medical outreach that provided market traders with medical consultations, eye examinations, prescription and distribution of medicated glasses where necessary, as well as free medications prescribed by healthcare professionals.
Many beneficiaries described the initiative as timely and impactful, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to receive quality healthcare services at no cost while learning about the benefits of enrolling in the state’s health insurance programme.
The Agency explained that the Vital Contributory Plan, one of its flagship programmes targeting the informal sector, was specifically developed to provide affordable health insurance coverage for individuals and organised groups, including traders, artisans, transport workers, market associations and other self-employed residents.
Under the scheme, subscribers pay an annual premium of ₦15,000, giving them access to comprehensive healthcare services through accredited hospitals and healthcare providers across Kogi State. The programme is designed to shield enrollees from unexpected medical expenses while ensuring prompt access to quality healthcare whenever needed.
KGSHIA noted that the market sensitisation forms part of a broader statewide strategy aimed at increasing public awareness, boosting enrollment under the Vital Contributory Plan and accelerating Kogi State’s progress towards Universal Health Coverage.
The Agency reiterated its commitment to sustaining grassroots engagement, expanding healthcare awareness and implementing people-centred interventions that will improve the health and productivity of residents across the state.